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"Lying next to him in a hospital and praying that everything would be fine, that he will open his eyes.

"I didn’t even get to tell him I love him. All I got was to put my hand on his chest and feel every single one of his final heartbeats."

Police officers found Alex's shoe, over which he lost his life, in the park (Image: PA)

Detectives later discovered Alex's missing shoe in the park.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Lynes of the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command said: "Iheanacho subjected that poor little boy to a brutal assault after flying into an uncontrollable rage just because Alex lost one of his shoes.

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"Afterwards Iheanacho came up with various stories to try to cover his tracks, insisted his girlfriend lie for him and attacked her when she tried to get medical help for her unconscious son.

"It is no surprise the jury easily saw through his stories and while nothing can bring Alex back, I hope Iheanacho's conviction today provides his mother and father, and their families with some comfort."

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Iheanacho should have been caring for Alex, but instead he violently robbed him of the chance to live a long and happy life. It is right that he is now behind bars.

“Babies and young children are entirely dependent on those who care for them and we all have a duty to look out for their welfare.

“We urge anyone concerned about a child’s welfare to call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 as it could save a life.”

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